Shade for bus stops

SunTran bus. [Bruce Ackerman/Ocala Gazette file photo]

The Ocala City Council greenlit a $227,065 contract with Tolar Manufacturing Co. for 15 new Sunset Series bus shelters at its Oct. 7 meeting, marking a significant step in enhancing the SunTran public transit system.

The procurement, funded entirely through the Federal Transit Administration’s Section 5307 Capital Program with no local match required, aims to improve rider comfort and accessibility at high-traffic stops across the city.

According to price analysis documents regarding the bus shelters, the 10-foot Signature Sunset shelters cost $176,700 for the units, $31,425 for solar lighting, $10,440 for benches and $8,500 for freight. They feature durable aluminum construction with a powder-coated finish for corrosion resistance and are designed to last an estimated 20-25 years.

“The Sunset Series shelters are designed to withstand Florida’s climate while providing comfort and safety for riders,” said Greg Davis, public information officer for the city of Ocala.

Each shelter includes perforated wall panels, barrel vault roofs with glazing, solar-powered LED lighting with battery storage and 5-foot-long perforated metal benches with accessibility features for mobility devices.

The procurement leverages a Jacksonville Transportation Authority contract from 2019, ensuring compliance with federal Buy America regulations. A price analysis, approved on Aug. 12, confirmed Tolar’s pricing as fair compared to competitors including Brasco International ($16,150 per unit) and Duo-Gard Industries ($18,679 per unit). Tolar, a Corona, California-based manufacturer, has supplied over 35% of U.S. transit shelters since 1991, including 150 shelters for Los Angeles’ Sidewalk and Transit Amenities Program in June.

According to Davis, SunTran operates 11 routes with a $1.50 regular fare and discounts for youth, students, seniors and individuals with disabilities. The system has seen steady ridership growth: 204,747 in 2022, 231,180 in 2023, and 237,167 in 2024, with 2025 data pending submission to the National Transit Database.

“This ridership growth underscores the need for infrastructure improvements like these shelters,” Davis said.

The shelters align with the Ocala 2035 Vision plan’s mobility goals, targeting high-traffic areas identified in a Kimley-Horn master site plan. Proposed locations include Six Gun Plaza, Magnolia Walk Apartments, the Ocala Public Library and the Marion County Health Department, among others, with some requiring easements or adjustments such as relocating an existing shelter at the Health Department to Southeast 32nd Avenue.

“Staff is currently reviewing 24 potential locations based on proximity to shopping centers, healthcare facilities, social service providers and ridership data,” Davis said. “Final shelter locations will be determined once all the data have been evaluated.”

Some sites are within public right-of-way, while others involve permits applied for in June 2024, each with a job value of $20,000. A sidewalk connection at Winter Woods is also planned.

If approved, installation could begin in spring 2026, following a 24-week manufacturing lead time. All permitting and design work is complete and bids for construction and site improvements will be issued post-approval.

“Maintenance and repairs will be funded through the city’s regular FTA Section 5307 Capital and Operations Grant,” Davis said.